Riders from across the state ended their journey at The Highground Veterans Memorial Park near Neillsville with a picnic lunch and ceremony. American Legion Post No. 121 of River Falls, and Boy Scout Troop No. 43 joined members of the community holding flags and welcoming the riders into The Highground.

The Bike Tour was made up of four separate routes. The Western Route, originating from New Richmond, was led by Randy Meyer and Jerry Simon. The Eastern Route, from Appleton, was led by Jim and Curt Braatz. The Southern Route, from Madison, was led by Karen Swader and Andy and Nicole Smith. The Northern Route, officially starting in Hayward (even though many riders from central Wisconsin rode up to Hayward to begin the trip!) was led by Mike and Kathy Gleisner.

The riders in each route obtained donations for their journey and corporate sponsors donated funds, advertising and supplies for the Bicycle Tour. More than $43,000 was raised in donations plus an additional $5,000 worth of goods and services were donated to support the event. The Bicycle Tour is the single largest annual fundraiser for The Highground. This year's event will go a long way in helping The Highground continue in its mission of healing and education.

The "Journey's End" program began after a picnic lunch was served. "The Star-Spangled Banner" was led by Vietnam veteran and member of The Highground board of directors Steve Maddox. An invocation was given by American Legion Post No. 121 Chaplain Steve Priesler. Kirk Rodman, volunteer general manager, gave the "Welcome Home" address and introduced each route and its leaders.

Guest speakers were Vietnam veteran and member of The Highground board of directors Don Quicker and Vietnam veteran and bicycle route leader Jim Braatz. A special Legacy Stone dedication ceremony was presented to honor the Western Bike Route. This Legacy Stone was purchased by former Western Route riders Barry and Melanie Kirby.

The 145 names of the Wisconsin service men and women who were killed in Desert Storm, OIF, OEF, OND and Fort Hood were read followed by a rifle salute and taps by American Legion No. 121.

The Bicycle Tour could not happen at The Highground without the dedicated work of volunteers and help from many businesses and organizations. Dedicated sponsors of The 30th anniversary Highground Bike Tour are: WCCN 107.5 FM, Citizen's State Bank of Loyal, Kwik Trip, Scheels of Eau Claire, The Sports Den, BullishWear, Menzner Lumber and Supply, Stone's Throw Supper Club, Apple Valley Bar 'N Grill, Eau Claire Bike & Sport, Urban Sales & Service, United FCS Bank and Premium Waters. The Highground and Bicycle Tour would like to also thank the Clark County Sheriff's Department for its assistance with the event.

We look forward to the 31st annual Bicycle Tour on July 31 to Aug. 2, 2015.